Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust: Gateway to the Delta

The Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT) provides a unique and culturally immersive experience in the heart of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Established in 1997, the trust operates within the NG32 concession, a designated Wildlife Management Area spanning 1225 sq km. It represents six villages: Ditshuping, Boro, Xharaxao, Xuoxao, Daunara, and Xaxaba. The OKMCT focuses on sustainable tourism, ensuring that visits positively impact the local economy and environment. Visitors can explore the Delta in a traditional mokoro, a dugout canoe, guided by local experts who share their knowledge of the flora, fauna, and cultural significance of the area. These guides, born and raised in the Okavango Delta, offer an intimate perspective on this unique ecosystem. As you glide through the waterways, you might spot diverse bird species, elephants, hippos, and other wildlife. The trust emphasizes community involvement, providing a platform for local communities to showcase their culture and traditions. This includes opportunities to interact with villagers and learn about their way of life. The OKMCT plays a crucial role in promoting social and economic development, empowerment, and advancement within the member communities. Maun itself, while a rapidly modernizing town, still retains the feel of a dusty frontier outpost and serves as the primary gateway for tourists entering the Okavango Delta. It offers a mix of modern amenities and traditional culture, with safari companies, shops, and markets catering to both tourists and locals.